Live bacteria liquid product applicator

ABSTRACT

An applicator for applying a liquid carrier having live bacteria suspended therein, which are in a dormant state, to a target host comprising a pump having inlet and discharge sides, with the inlet side of the pump being in fluid communication with the liquid carrier. A first fluid conduit extends from the discharge side of the pump to an air induction nozzle which is in communication with a source of air under pressure. A flow control is imposed in the first conduit for adjusting the amount of liquid carrier passing therethrough. The pump and the air supply for the air induction nozzle are operatively connected to a power supply. The pump, when activated, causes the liquid carrier to be pumped to the air induction nozzle wherein the liquid carrier is mixed with air to create small droplets thereof for spraying onto the target host.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a divisional application of Petitioner's earlier application Ser. No. 10/858,762, filed Jun. 2, 2004, entitled LIVE BACTERIA LIQUID PRODUCT APPLICATOR.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a live bacteria liquid product applicator and more particularly to an applicator for applying a live bacteria product to a target host wherein live bacteria, that are in a dormant state, are suspended in a clear liquid fluid carrier.

2. Description of the Related Art

Live bacteria formulations are frequently applied to forage products or feed to enhance the forage product or feed. The prior art products fall generally into two categories which are either a dry soluble powder form or a dry granular non-soluble form. The dry granular products are directly applied to the forage through a metering device such as a Gandy box, usually at a rate of 4 to 16 ounces per ton of forage treated. The dry soluble products must first be hydrated with water, then applied to the forage within a 48-hour period post-hydration through a liquid pump system at the rate of 4 ounces to 1 gallon per ton of forage.

The dry granular products of the prior art, even if packaged in either paper bags or plastic pails, will sometimes come into direct contact with ambient air during manufacturing and processing or upon simply opening the product lid with the ambient air containing moisture or humidity. The moisture or humidity will activate the dormant bacteria upon contact which in turn causes the bacteria to inadvertently live and die before it can be applied to its target host. If so, the value of the product will then be a total loss. Limestone carriers of the prior art products also carry minute traces of moisture, and such moisture severely reduces the product's ability to sustain an adequate shelf life. If the prior art product is a soluble powder product, it will also need to be hydrated before application. The hydration immediately activates all of the dormant bacteria and the producer has to apply the entire mixture within a 48-hour time frame or before since the bacteria will naturally deplete its food source and die, creating a total loss of the product value.

Further, the prior art products on the market today must be either removed from their original shipping container and/or physically poured into a dry applicator prior to application, or they must be contaminated with water, reducing their shelf life to less than 48 hours, post-contamination. Additionally, the prior art dry granular products have a tendency of sorting during shipment. This shakes any fines to the bottom of the shipping container or applicator leaving the either larger or lighter material to work its way to the top. Since the bacteria attach themselves to these particles, they may also migrate with these particles. This situation usually also causes the product in an applicator to compact. Product compaction also causes applicator failure due to the lack of product flow. The prior art dry granular products also require a significant percentage of the product to be applied to the target host to increase its ability of uniform coverage. As the volumes or rates decrease to meet the product's needs, so does the product's ability of achieving a uniform coverage. Prior art rates are from 1/10th of a pound to 1 pound application rates. Other dry soluble powder products may settle to the bottom of the applicator tank upon hydration. This will depend greatly on the product's rate of dilution. As application rates decrease to meet the producer's ongoing needs of hauling less product to the field, the manufacturers must in turn make their products more condensed to meet the active ingredient needs. Such limits the solubility of the product.

Dry soluble powders mixed with water carriers have attempted to achieve low inclusion rates for some time. However, such products result in droplets which are very large in their molecular size and weight resulting in that there are actually few droplets being delivered per one ton of forage treated so uniform coverage is poor.

The applicators of the prior art suffer from many disadvantages. To the best of applicant's knowledge, the prior art applicators today are not able to apply a live bacteria product, such as described in applicant's co-pending application entitled “LIVE BACTERIA PRODUCT” filed May 25, 2004, Ser. No. 10/853,346, to the target host which may be forage, feed, livestock, etc. One of the prior art applicators, after product rehydration, simply drips the active solution onto the forage. This applicator needs periodic cleaning and produces droplets that are very large in their molecular size and weight which means that there are actually very few droplets being delivered per one ton of forage, creating non-uniform coverage patterns. In another prior art applicator, after rehydrated product is pumped and sprayed through the applicator nozzles as product densities increase, product solubility decreases, causing settling of active ingredients. These applicators also require frequent cleaning of the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

An applicator is provided for applying a liquid carrier having live bacteria suspended therein, which are in a dormant state, to a target host such as forage, feed, livestock, etc. The applicator apparatus comprises a pump having a positive fluid displacement, with an inlet and discharge sides with the inlet side of the pump being in fluid communication with the liquid carrier. A continuous fluid conduit extends from the product supply to the discharge side of the air injection nozzle means which is in communication with a source of air under pressure. A flow control means such as a flow meter is imposed on the first fluid conduit to permit the selective metering of the liquid carrier. A power supply is connected to the pump for selectively activating the pump. The pump, when activated, causes the liquid carrier to be pumped to the air induction nozzle means wherein the liquid carrier is mixed with air to create small droplets thereof for spraying onto the target host. In the preferred embodiment, the pump comprises a peristaltic pump. The liquid carrier is contained in a plastic bag, pail or drum. If the applicator apparatus is mounted on a chopper or harvester, an optional motion sensor or the like is provided which senses the absence of product being passed through the chopper and having the liquid carrier sprayed thereon and then deactivates the pump.

It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide an improved applicator for applying a liquid carrier having live bacteria suspended therein, which are in a dormant state, to a target host such as forage, feed, livestock, etc.

A further object of the invention is to provide an applicator of the type described which forces air through the liquid carrier to create small droplets thereof for spraying onto the target host.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an applicator of the type described which requires little, if any, cleaning.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an applicator of the type described which may be mounted on a chopper, harvester or stationary feed mill applications, etc.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an applicator that limits and protects the product from inadvertent product contamination right up to the point of actual product application onto its target host. The product only comes in physical contact with the fluid carrier hose and nozzle.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an applicator that is capable of applying very small amounts of product with maximum coverage with application rates of 1 to 37 grams of actual product delivered directly to its target host.

These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 is a schematic of the applicator of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense in that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, the numeral 10 refers generally to the applicator apparatus of this invention. The numeral 12 refers generally to a power supply which may be 9V, 12V, 24V or 115V. Power supply 12 is electrically connected to a control panel 13 which is electrically connected to a pump 14 which is preferably a peristaltic pump having an inlet side 16 and a discharge side 18. The inlet side 16 of pump 14 is in fluid communication with a source of live bacteria product contained in a five-gallon pail 20, a fifty-gallon drum 22 or a polyurethane bag 24 by means of conduit, hose or tube 26. The live bacteria product within the pail 20, drum 22 or bag 24 is of the type described in the co-pending application of applicant entitled “LIVE BACTERIA PRODUCT” filed May 25, 2004, Ser. No. 10/853,346. The live bacteria product is comprised of mineral oil and polymers and is substantially moisture-free and which has the live bacteria, in a dormant state, suspended therein. If required, the liquid product may also have an adsorbent added thereto. The bacteria within the liquid product remain dormant until they come into contact with moisture from the target host.

Conduit, hose or tube 28 extends from the discharge side 18 of pump 14 to a selectively adjustable flow control means such as a flow meter 30 to permit the selective control of the amount of liquid product passing therethrough. Hose, conduit or tube 32 connects the flow control means 30 to an air induction nozzle means 34. Air induction nozzle means 34 has an air line 36 extending therefrom which is in communication with a source of air under pressure such as an air pump or an in-house supply hookup generally referred to by the reference numeral 38. If the applicator apparatus of this invention may be mounted on a forage chopper or forage harvester, the air supply to the air induction nozzle means 34 may be the on-board air compressor on the implement. The air supply 38 is electrically connected to the control panel 13 by wire(s) 42. The control panel 43 is also connected to the pump 14 by wire(s) 44.

If the applicator apparatus of this invention is mounted on a forage chopper or forage harvester, it is preferred that a motion sensor 46 be provided which is electrically connected to the panel 43 by wire(s) 48. The motion sensor 46 will sense the presence of material passing adjacent the air induction nozzle means 34 and when the motion sensor 46 detects an absence of such material passing by the air induction nozzle means 34, the sensor 46 will deactivate the pump 14 to interrupt the supply of liquid product being supplied to the air induction nozzle means 34. Motion sensor 46 is of conventional design and may be of the infrared type, etc.

In use, the hose 26 is connected to the interior of the pail 20, drum 22 or bag 24 so that the liquid live bacteria product is supplied to the pump 14 which pumps the product through the calibrated flow control means 30 to the air induction nozzle means 34. The air induction nozzle means 34 causes the liquid product to be broken up into very small droplets which are sprayed onto the target host. The moisture and pH associated with the target host will then activate the live bacteria.

There are many advantages to the applicator apparatus of this invention. The applicator of this invention does not require a reservoir since the product to be applied through the applicator is in a ready-to-use form and is provided in pail form, drum form or bag form. The applicator of this invention does not require any hydrating or mixing prior to use since the liquid product supplied thereto is in a stable homogenous, ready-to-use state. The applicator uses the assistance of the air induction nozzle means 34 with the addition of auxiliary air reducing the otherwise very large product droplets to thousands of very small droplets thereby providing maximum product coverage, with a micro-application rate. As stated, the products that are to be used in the applicator of this invention are all live dormant stable bacteria. Since the product is not activated in a reservoir, line, pump or nozzle, periodic cleaning of the applicator is virtually eliminated.

Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.

Although the invention has been described in language that is specific to certain structures and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. 

1. An applicator for applying a liquid carrier having live bacteria suspended therein, which are in dormant state, until applied to a target host, comprising: a liquid pump having inlet and discharge sides; said inlet side of liquid pump being in fluid communication with the liquid carrier; a spray applicator having an inlet side and a discharge side; said discharge side of said liquid pump being in communication with said inlet side of said spray applicator; a power supply connected to said liquid pump for selectively activating said pump; said liquid pump, when activated, causing the liquid carrier to be pumped to said inlet side of said spray applicator and then to said discharge side thereof without bringing the liquid carrier into contact with ambient air or moisture; said spray applicator including an air induction nozzle which is in communication with a source of air under pressure; said air induction nozzle causing the liquid carrier being discharged from said discharge side of said spray applicator to be sprayed therefrom to create small droplets thereof for spraying onto the target host.
 2. The applicator of claim 1 wherein a first fluid conduit extends between said discharge side of said liquid pump to said inlet side of said spray applicator and wherein a flow control means is imposed in said first fluid conduit.
 3. The applicator of claim 2 wherein said source of air under pressure comprises an air pump.
 4. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said liquid pump comprises a peristaltic pump.
 5. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the liquid carrier is contained within a plastic bag.
 6. The applicator of claim 5 wherein the plastic bag is comprised of a polyurethane material which is UV resistant.
 7. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the liquid carrier is contained within a pail.
 8. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the liquid carrier is contained within a drum.
 9. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said flow control means is selectively adjustable.
 10. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the liquid carrier is comprised of a substantially moisture-free mixture containing mineral oil and polymers.
 11. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the liquid carrier is comprised of a substantially moisture-free admixture.
 12. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the target host is forage.
 13. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the target host is feed.
 14. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the target host is an animal.
 15. In combination: a source of liquid carrier having live dormant bacteria therein; said liquid carrier being substantially moisture-free; a liquid pump having inlet and discharge sides; said inlet side of said liquid pump being in fluid communication with the liquid carrier; a power supply connected to said liquid pump for selectively activating said liquid pump; a spray applicator having an inlet side and a discharge side; said discharge side of said liquid pump being in communication with said inlet side of said spray applicator; a power supply connected to said liquid pump for selectively activating said pump; said liquid pump, when activated, causing the liquid carrier to be pumped to said inlet side of said spray applicator and then to said discharge side thereof without bringing the liquid carrier into contact with ambient air or moisture; said spray applicator including an air induction nozzle which is in communication with a source of air under pressure; said air induction nozzle causing the liquid carrier being discharged from said discharge side of said spray applicator to be sprayed therefrom to create small droplets thereof for spraying onto the target host.
 16. The combination of claim 15 wherein said source of air comprises an air pump.
 17. The combination of claim 16 wherein said air pump is connected to said power supply.
 18. The combination of claim 15 wherein said pump comprises a peristaltic pump.
 19. The combination of claim 15 wherein the liquid carrier is contained within a plastic bag.
 20. The combination of claim 19 wherein the plastic bag is comprised of a polyurethane material which is UV resistant.
 21. The combination of claim 15 wherein the liquid carrier is contained within a pail.
 22. The combination of claim 15 wherein the liquid carrier is contained within a drum.
 23. The combination of claim 15 wherein said flow control means is selectively adjustable.
 24. The combination of claim 15 wherein the liquid carrier is comprised of a substantially moisture-free mixture containing mineral oil and polymers.
 25. The combination of claim 15 wherein the target host is forage.
 26. The combination of claim 15 wherein the target host is an animal.
 27. The combination of claim 15 wherein the target host is feed.
 28. The combination of claim 15 further including a target host detector which is operatively connected to said pump.
 29. The combination of claim 28 wherein said target host detector deactivates said pump upon the lack of target host adjacent said air induction nozzle means.
 30. In combination: a source of liquid carrier having live dormant bacteria therein; said liquid carrier being substantially moisture-free; a liquid pump having inlet and discharge sides; said inlet side of said pump being in fluid communication with the liquid carrier; a power supply connected to said liquid pump for selectively activating said liquid pump; a liquid applicator including an inlet side and a discharge side; a spray applicator having an inlet side and a discharge side; said discharge side of said liquid pump being in communication with said inlet side of said spray applicator; a power supply connected to said liquid pump for selectively activating said pump; said liquid pump, when activated, causing the liquid carrier to be pumped to said inlet side of said spray applicator and then to said discharge side thereof without bringing the liquid carrier into contact with ambient air or moisture; said spray applicator including an air induction nozzle which is in communication with a source of air under pressure; said air induction nozzle causing the liquid carrier being discharged from said discharge side of said spray applicator to be sprayed therefrom to create small droplets thereof for spraying onto the target host.
 31. The combination of claim 30 wherein said source of air comprises an air pump.
 32. The combination of claim 31 wherein the plastic bag is comprised of a polyurethane material which is UV resistant.
 33. The combination of claim 30 wherein the liquid carrier is contained within a pail.
 34. The combination of claim 30 wherein the liquid carrier is contained within a drum.
 35. The combination of claim 30 wherein said flow control means is selectively adjustable.
 36. The combination of claim 30 wherein the liquid carrier is comprised of a substantially moisture-free mixture containing mineral oil and polymers.
 37. The combination of claim 30 wherein the target host is forage.
 38. The combination of claim 30 wherein the target host is an animal. 